COVID-19 has impacted all aspects of our lives, none more so than work. 42% of the US workforce is now working from home full-time, and this is expected to continue well beyond the pandemic. But while it’s been a huge change for many New Yorkers, there are many advantages to working from home, the biggest being that you get to create your perfect home office. However, it can be difficult to stay focused and work effectively when your home office is disorganized and dirty. Ensuring that your workspace is healthy and clean is important, not just to help you stay focused, but also for your wellbeing.

Declutter, Dust And Disinfect Your Desk Area

Clutter can build up very easily, but it also attracts dust. Try to minimize the mess on and around your desk to reduce dust and make cleaning easier. Wipe over your desk with a dry, lint-free cleaning cloth. Regularly vacuuming the carpet or sanitizing the hard floor underneath your desk will help keep dust away from your work space. While you are cleaning your desk area, don’t forget your trash can. Even if it has a liner, you still need to sanitize it regularly. Make sure it’s completely dry before adding a fresh new liner.

Clean Your Keyboard Regularly

While you work at your desk, you probably also eat and drink at it too. But even though it may look relatively clean at first glance, your keyboard could be harboring a dirty secret. Laptop and computer keyboards can be 20,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat. To get your keyboard hygienically clean, shut down your computer and unplug the keyboard if it’s wired. Turn your keyboard upside down and gently shake out any crumbs and debris over a bin. Compressed air is ideal for cleaning away dust, and you can buy cans from office supply shops. Then take some cotton swabs, and with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol, clean the keys.

Clean Your Mouse And Screen

The rest of your computer will also need attention. Switch off your computer and wipe over the monitor with a very slightly damp microfiber cloth, not forgetting the surface it stands on. Next, clean your mouse by disconnecting it and removing the mouse ball cover. Use a dry lint-free cloth and specialist cleaning fluid to clean the rollers, and then replace the mouse ball and cover. If you have an optical mouse, disconnect and clean with a slightly damp cotton swab, pat dry, and reconnect. If you are

Don’t Eat At Your Desk

The best way to minimize the mess and dirt on your desk is to eat your lunch and snacks elsewhere. Spills and food crumbs can quickly build up without you noticing, and can also damage your computer. It’s also good for your productivity and wellbeing to take your lunch break away from your workstation. Eating at your desk means that you will be sitting at your desk for longer. This can make your joints feel sore and increase your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Even if it’s just for lunch, getting up once in a while is important for both your mental and physical health.

A clean and tidy home office is not just good for your health; it also boosts morale and productivity. So you should make keeping on top of the clutter and dirt in your home office a priority. Desks provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, but maintaining a regular cleaning schedule will help ensure you remain productive and healthy in your workspace.